Bud Weast was the “Grandpa of Enright Avenue” in Price Hill.

        He had lived on his street longer than most — 54 years — and was an intrinsic part of the social fabric there.

        A student of politics, genealogy and literature, he lent books to his neighbors and lavished attention on the children, encouraging them to take an interest in reading. (He loved Harry Potter stories.)

        Even the dogs on his street adored him for the attention he gave them.

        Charles Robert “Bud” Weast, 81, died in his sleep Saturday at his home in the neighborhood he loved.

        A good-natured man, Mr. Weast was also ethical and moral.

        “He always fought for the underdog,” said his son, Tom Weast of Mount Washington.

        “He had the habit of causing those around him to discuss, oftentimes heatedly, the ethical side of a given situation with a moral point of view that was not always popular.”

        Mr. Weast was retired from the Bulk Mail Center in Sharonville in 1989, but had worked at a lot of different jobs over his long life.

        Born and raised in Norwood, he published a neighborhood newspaper dubbed Wayland Press while in his teens. He graduated from Norwood High School in 1940 and found work as an inspector for Allis-Chalmers Co.

        Mr. Weast entered the Army in 1942 and was sent to Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland to study administration and supply. He became a trainer and platoon leader in Jackson, Miss.

        Exposure to racism in the South ignited his conscience and led him to ally himself with the Democratic Party. He was an active member of the party in Cincinnati.

        Mr. Weast married his sweetheart, Nancy Christensen, in Norwood in 1944. After his honorable discharge in 1946, he took a job with the National Sinktop Co., where he worked until opening his own business, Bonnie Kitchens, in 1957.

        Through his successful business, he custom-designed kitchens, bathrooms and cabinets. He sold Bonnie Kitchens in 1970 and went to work for the U.S. Postal Service in 1974.

        Mr. Weast pursued a wide array of interests. A member of the Cincinnati Mineral Society, he studied geology and lapidary — the art of cutting precious stones — and often took his family on rock-hunting expeditions.

        In 1968, he and his wife took a six-week trip to Alaska, where they camped.

        Mr. Weast's wife died in 1992 and since then, he had taken pride in maintaining his independence.

        To the end he remained concerned about his neighborhood and his community. “The idea of closing some of the city's libraries recently sickened him,” his son Tom said.

        In addition to Tom, survivors include four other sons, Robert of Crittenden, William of Deer Park, James of Bridgetown and Peter of Delhi Township; three daughters, Ann Stanton of Milford, Susie Finch of West Harrison and Mary Nagel of Bridgetown; a sister, Margaret Summers of Batavia; 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

        Mass will be celebrated noon Saturday at St. Lawrence Church, 3680 Warsaw Ave., Price Hill. A reception is 2-5 p.m. Saturday at The Meadows, 59 E. Main St., Addyston.

        Memorials: The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, 800 Vine St. Cincinnati 45202.

E-mails uncover political squabble
E-mails show Luken's and Portune's differences
Report says air in Ohio among worst in nation
W. Chester officials try to shut out adult shops
West Nile find doubles search
Add Mason to list of mall sites
Coalition attacks bill backing charter schools
Labor Day travel looks thinner
Light rail factions squaring off
More time granted for overseer applicants
Obituary: Bud Weast admired for caring and ethics
Oldenburg Academy rich in charm, tradition
Tenants' views not well received by magistrate
Tristate A.M. Report
When to test for West Nile uncertain
Workers drill row after row for posts
BRONSON: Spin cycle
HOWARD: Some Good News
SMITH AMOS: Lincoln Hts. reunion
Airport named for Hogans
Butler Co. parks district wants transfer-fee increase
Clermont water tower is approved
Prison workers fear uprising
Cash-strapped Hagan runs campaign ad on Internet
Congresswoman sought help for husband's firm
Florence Y'all fest lasts all weekend
Insurance scam gets man 5 years
Lucas' fast-track view praised
N.Ky. in high gear after first W. Nile sign
Report: Gas main was left on
Schools tackle bullying
Toss out ice cream from church festival